Open Grant Program

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation (MHJF), located in Cleveland, Ohio, supports educational advancement across the state through its Open Grant program. As a private foundation committed to enhancing student learning and teaching quality, MHJF collaborates with public and non-religious private schools, as well as nonprofit organizations that work in conjunction with public schools. The Foundation's longstanding commitment to Ohio education is reflected in its structured grantmaking approach and clear evaluation criteria aimed at fostering impactful, innovative, and sustainable educational initiatives. The Open Grant program is specifically designed to fund projects that generate a positive, lasting influence on teaching and learning in Ohio. Grants typically average $15,000 but may range from $4,000 to $55,000. While applicants are encouraged to articulate a broad vision for their initiatives, the Foundation limits funding to a one-year term. Organizations may reapply for funding in subsequent years, contingent upon the quality of the Final Evaluation Report from the previous cycle. MHJF has historically reviewed grant applications six times per year, with application due dates set for the 15th of December, February, April, June, August, and October. In 2026, the Foundation will shift to a quarterly cycle, accepting applications due on February 15, May 15, August 15, and October 15. Eligibility for Open Grants includes all public school districts, non-religious private schools, and nonprofit organizations that partner with public schools in Ohio. Each application must include a signed Letter of Endorsement on district letterhead from a superintendent. In the case of nonprofit applicants, a letter from the organization's Chief Executive is also required. Applications must be submitted through MHJF’s online grant portal, where users are instructed to create an account and follow the provided application guidance. Approval notifications are typically sent by email on the fourth Wednesday following the submission deadline, with funds disbursed around the 20th of the following month. The application process emphasizes clarity, originality, and impact. Applicants are required to demonstrate a clear alignment with MHJF’s mission, with proposals evaluated against a detailed rubric. Criteria include the degree to which the project enhances excellent teaching or deep learning, its originality and creativity, the measurability and alignment of its goals and objectives, and its connection to state standards and district strategic plans. The proposal must also show evidence of stakeholder involvement, effective resource use, sustainability planning, and a solid dissemination strategy for sharing outcomes and best practices. Grants must be used within 12 months of disbursement, and recipients are obligated to submit both an Education Project Report and a Final Financial Form via the Foundation’s online dashboard. These reports are prerequisites for renewal grant consideration. Additionally, applicants are expected to incorporate lessons learned from previous projects into any future proposals to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability of impact. To support applicants throughout the process, MHJF provides a blog, example grants, and a contact page for questions. The Foundation office is located at The Halle Building, 1228 Euclid Ave., Suite 240, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Interested parties can call (216) 589-5700 or visit the grant portal directly through the Foundation’s website.

Submit final reports for renewal consideration. Review sample grants and blog for strong submissions.